Mumbai COVID-19 cases rise to 318 on Monday; hospitalisation up by 231% in May

Mumbai on Monday reported 318 Covid-19 cases, crossing the 300-mark for the fifth day in a row. Even as 298 of these were asymptomatic and only 20 needed medical attention and oxygen support, the city's hospitalisation rate has soared to a massive 231% in May. This has sparked concerns about the speculative fourth wave in city and possibility of a lockdown-like situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra, once again.

Until Monday, Mumbai had about 215 hospital admission, significantly higher than the 65 in April and even the 149 in March. It may be noted here these hospitalisations are majorly among those patients that are aged over 60 years or have comorbidities. Statistically, around 80% of the newer admissions are in the category.

However, the recent spike has also opened new dedicated COVID beds at several private hospitals across the city, to prepare ahead of the anticipated surge.

In wake of the preparations to curb the infection transmissions, Mumbai and Maharashtra are also considering the ordain a lockdown or lockdown-like restrictions in the region. Reportedly, a COVID-19 lockdown in the state will be imposed only if the cases spurt over and exceed the 1000 mark in the state. As of Monday, Maharashtra reported 431 new cases.

As per the officials, a protocol has to be devised to check the surge of spreading and positivity rate. There are restriction on air travel and if the pace of the fresh cases continue to grow with people not taking care, these limitations will continue too.